Lester

This is a picture of a picture of our gorgeous Weimeraner Lester.

If he was still alive we would be celebrating his 14th birthday today. However on 31st July 2005 we had to make the decision that no pet owner wants to make. Actually I tell a lie - the vet made the decision - and we completely agreed with her.

Born to Sh. Ch Gunalt Harris Tweed and Wassermusik Nell-Mangle his kennel name was Wasssermusik Bill Bailey, but from the minute he was taken home by James, at 7 weeks old, he was known as Lester.

I first met him in August 1996. James and I had only been seeing each other a short period of time but it was a case of "love me, love my dog". So with some trepidation I went to meet him.

I say with some trepidation as I'd never had a pet as a child, would never describe myself as a doggie person and the thought of meeting a dog up close and personal did not feature high on my list of "must do" things.

James's front door had a pane of glass at head height in it - so you can imagine my feelings as we approached to see a face appearing out. Lester's. Gulp. Big gulp. He was simply enormous.

But what a sweetie he was. Gorgeous, affectionate, great with everyone, including the nieces and nephews when they came along - just a delight. Okay - he wasn't great with other dogs and he pulled on the lead - but when you knew it was clear, you could let him off for a good run - he never strayed far and his recall was fab.

We thought we'd have a long time with him - his dad had lived to 13 and he was in excellent health. However as we were returning from honeymoon in November 2004, we got the call to say he'd been rushed into the vets the day before. Bloat.

He recovered well from this. However in early 2005 we woke in the middle of the night to the sound of him pacing. As soon as we saw the size of him, we called the vets and rushed him in. Again he recovered.

Then in April he decided to eat a basket at home - leather straps, metal buckles and studs - the lot. Huge operation but again, strong as an ox, he pulled through.

At my cousins wedding in July though we got the call to say he'd bloated again. This time he didn't recover so well and developed peritonitis. So on Sunday 31st July 2005 we said goodbye to him as he lay in James's arms.

The vets put a plaque up on the walk-in kennel saying "In memory of our brave boy, Lester Stewart" and my good friend Penny wrote the poem below.

He was a wonderful dog.

PS. So you can see a "real" picture of him, I've backblipped him during our last holiday with him just a few short weeks before he died - 3rd July 2005.


Lester

A running machine, a magnificent sight
Fur changing colour, in the light
A purple haze, a silky delight
Ears flapping, a carefree sight

With a pitter-pattering
And clattering of toes
Giant great paws and a brown speckled nose
Lester arrives on all fours!

Always pleased to see you
A nosey parker, through and through
Most happy when all is still
And it is time to chill!

In circles, he twists and turns
Worthy of a good old Scottish reel
He finds his spot and with a yawn
Flops to the floor, with a humph

Then with a stretch, a shuffle and snuffle
His wet muzzle, nuzzles
His favourite friends, Jenny and James
For love and lots of cuddles

A much loved family member
And such an affectionate friend
Here's wishing you a great life in heaven
Where the food and the walks never end!